On-Site Guidance of Nuclear Submarine Construction on Christmas Day
"Will Destabilize the Korean Peninsula Region"
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, criticized South Korea's nuclear submarine initiative, stating that it is "an aggressive act that seriously infringes upon our nation's security and maritime sovereignty, and must be regarded as a security threat that requires a response," while overseeing the construction site of a nuclear-powered submarine.
According to the Korean Central News Agency on December 25, Kim Jong Un provided on-site guidance for the construction of an 8,700-ton-class "nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine." He stated, "The nuclear submarine development plan agreed upon between Seoul and Washington at Seoul's request will further destabilize the Korean Peninsula region."
North Korea's "nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine" is believed to use nuclear fuel for propulsion and is expected to be capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) equipped with nuclear warheads. There is also the possibility that it will operate submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) that can carry nuclear warheads. In contrast, South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine under development will be equipped with conventional weapons.
Kim Jong Un reiterated that there will be "not the slightest change" in North Korea's "national security guarantee policy and principle of adversary deterrence," and said, "When our adversaries threaten our strategic sovereignty and security, they must be made to realize, without any doubt, that they will pay the price and, should they attempt military action, will face relentless retaliatory strikes."
He further emphasized, "Strengthening the nuclear shield, which guarantees absolute security, and firmly establishing its irreversible status is the noble mission and duty of our generation."
He added, "Our Party and the government of the Republic are unwavering in their resolve to ensure a permanent environment of peace and absolute security for the nation through a nuclear force structure that our adversaries cannot help but fear," once again underscoring his rejection of denuclearization.
Previously, in March, North Korea publicly announced that construction of a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine was underway. At that time, only a photo of the lower hull was released, but this time, the entire hull was unveiled. It is also the first time the displacement of the submarine under construction-8,700 tons-has been mentioned.
Kim Jong Un also stated, "Accelerating the modernization of naval power and the rapid development of nuclear armament is an urgent task and an indispensable choice."
Additionally, Kim Jong Un remarked, "The attack destroyers and nuclear submarines currently under construction will dramatically enhance the combat power of our fleet and contribute to safeguarding our nation's strategic sovereignty and security." He added that North Korea will speed up the construction of various surface and underwater vessels and integrate "diverse offensive weapon systems" into them.
Present at the on-site inspection of the nuclear submarine construction on this day were his daughter Ju Ae, his wife Ri Sol Ju, Air Force Commander Kim Kwang Hyok, Navy Commander Park Kwang Seop, Director of the Party's Military Industry Department Jo Chun Ryong, and First Deputy Director of the Party's Military Industry Department Kim Jeong Sik, among others.
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